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Earth is under strain, but optimism persists. A novel accolade originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus aims to motivate people to act.

The medal will honor in honour of the esteemed British primatologist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge those who protect our planet's biodiversity.

The Medal's Framework

Initial honorees are slated for announcement during the upcoming Starmus event in the Canary Islands, scheduled from October 17th to 22nd the coming year.

Reports indicate that Goodall, who was a member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like this to happen. This is likely due to the close relationship she had with the festival.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives carried out to make our world a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on such efforts,” said a family member.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of the festival noted that the medal – unveiled at a scientific institution – will likely include several divisions.

“The intent is for it to be inspired by the Stephen Hawking award for science communication that we created exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Jane Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure said, “To be truthful, it is difficult to be optimistic. Certain policies in one major nation is conducting a war on science. So this undermines global initiatives.”

“In truth, things don’t look particularly bright which means we need to begin to reconsidering, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only global warming, but also the whole way in which we interact with nature.”

A Call to Action

As a result, observers believe it was a good time to follow Goodall’s example. “I think that when we’re awarding the prize, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue at present was highlighted of disinformation. The central topic of next year’s festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“We realised that truth is becoming a subject of discussion when politics is involved. This is an alarming trend,” he commented. “The climate science is a science; it is impossible to have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Hope and Determination

The hope is that this honor will spur action. “It’s about motivating others to participate and to care and to work toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we feel hopeful, we must look at working the best we can,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, yet we must have to work to achieve positive outcomes.”

A family member involved in environmental protection shared optimism that “given direction and when empowered, humanity can be conscientious guardians of Earth”, pointing to the work of an institute that, in addition to its projects, assists the next generation become engaged with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As my late grandmother constantly told everyone, our daily actions are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we make,” it was stated. “We still have an opportunity and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and increase understanding regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”